Oregon for the curious

Think you know Oregon? You might need to reconsider when you pick up a copy of Harriet Baskas' "Oregon Curiosities.'' Her book is chock-full of everything that is weird and wacky in a state that, after all, has a beaver as its namesake. From the "bridge to nowhere'' at Astoria to ladies of the Pendleton Underground, Baskas combs the state seeking out its deepest secrets. They may not make you want to go there (who would want to see the dead bodies of 13,000 ground squirrels at Unity?), but they will give you a better understanding of what goes on. Published by Insiders' Guide, the cover price is $14.95.